Reconstruction:Proto-Polynesian/motu

This Proto-Polynesian entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Polynesian

Etymology

From Proto-Central Pacific *motu, from Proto-Oceanic *motus (“broken off, detached”), possibly from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *ma-utus. Cognate with Motu motu.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmo.tu/

Noun

*motu

1. island

Descendants

• Hawaiian: moku
• Maori: motu
• Niuean: motu
• Rapa Nui: motu
• Tahitian: motu
• Tongan: motu